If you’re evaluating Eque2 (EVision or Construction Manager) but want stronger cost control, faster deployment, and simpler integration with your accounting tools, here are the top alternatives—and why Planyard leads for UK contractors.
Why Contractors Look Beyond Eque2
Eque2’s software suite (EVision, Construct for Sage, Construction Manager) covers estimating, project management, and finance. However, many contractors—especially SMEs—find it heavy to deploy or costly to adapt for real-time financial control.
Common reasons teams explore alternatives include:
- Long implementation cycles and custom setup requirements
- Heavy reliance on Sage for reporting and workflows
- Complex user experience across modules
- Limited real-time forecasting and CVR visibility
- High total cost of ownership for smaller contractors
If your focus is tight cost tracking, valuations, and commercial control, a dedicated financial-first platform may serve you better.
What to Look For in an Eque2 Alternative (UK-Focused)
When comparing alternatives, focus on capabilities that support the full commercial lifecycle—from budgets to final accounts:
- Real-time Job Costing and Budget vs Actuals – Instant visibility of committed and actual costs across cost codes
- Valuations (Applications for Payment) – Built-in workflows for client and subcontractor valuations with retention handling
- Variations and Forecasting – Real-time updates to budgets and forecasts as changes occur
- Integrated CVR (Cost Value Reconciliation) – Automated CVR and cost-to-complete reporting
- Seamless Accounting Integrations – Sync with Xero, QuickBooks, and Sage to remove manual double entry
- Rapid Deployment – Get operational in days, not months
- Transparent, Scalable Pricing – No per-project pricing or unpredictable costs
Quick Comparison Grid – Top Eque2 Alternatives
| Tool | Primary Strength | Financial Control Focus | Best For | Time to Adopt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Planyard | Job-costing & CVR for contractors |  Very high – built for UK QS workflows | SMEs & mid-sized contractors | Days to 1 week |
| Procore | Full project management suite |  Medium – broader than financial | Large contractors | Weeks–months |
| COINS | Enterprise ERP platform | High – deep financials | Large construction firms | Months |
| Archdesk | ERP-style all-in-one | High – financial & ops modules | Mid-sized contractors | Weeks |
| Payapps | Progress claims automation | Medium – focuses on valuations only | Firms managing subcontractor payments | Days |
| Sage + Excel workflows | Familiar accounting | Low – manual reconciliation | Very small firms | Immediate |
Deep Dive: Key Alternatives (UK-Focused)
1. Planyard
Overview
Planyard gives construction companies full visibility into project finances. It’s designed for UK commercial practice—budgets, variations, valuations, retentions, and CVR—without ERP overhead.
Financial / Cost-Control Fit
Track every cost from commitment to payment. Built-in budget vs actuals, valuations, retentions, variations, and real-time CVR replace spreadsheet-based reconciliation. Planyard integrates directly with Sage, Xero, and QuickBooks, ensuring accountants and QSs work from one source of truth.
Who It’s Best For
Main contractors, developers, and subcontractors who want simple but robust financial control without a heavy system rollout.
Link to detailed comparison
See full comparison: Planyard vs Eque2 →
2. Procore
Overview
Procore offers an all-in-one platform for project management, site coordination, and document control. It’s widely used for larger, multi-discipline teams.
Financial / Cost-Control Fit
Procore includes financial modules, but UK contractors often find they still rely on spreadsheets for valuations, variations, and cost-to-complete reporting. It’s better suited for document-heavy workflows.
Who It’s Best For
Larger firms that need broad collaboration across departments and already have internal financial processes in place.
When to Consider Planyard Instead
If your key need is financial visibility, not field coordination, Planyard delivers full commercial control faster.
Link to detailed comparison
See full comparison: Planyard vs Procore →
3. COINS
Overview
COINS is an enterprise-grade ERP for construction with integrated financials, HR, and asset management.
Financial / Cost-Control Fit
Extremely comprehensive but complex. It provides deep job costing and forecasting but typically requires long setup and consultancy time. Better suited to enterprise budgets.
Who It’s Best For
Tier-1 contractors and developers with dedicated IT and finance departments.
When to Consider Planyard Instead
If you need similar financial strength without ERP overhead or months of onboarding, Planyard fits the SME segment perfectly.
Link to detailed comparison
See full comparison: Planyard vs COINS →
4. Archdesk
Overview
Archdesk blends ERP features with job costing and project management. It’s flexible and covers procurement, finance, and reporting.
Financial / Cost-Control Fit
Archdesk supports forecasting and procurement but can involve more configuration. For teams focused purely on cost reporting and commercial control, it may feel over-engineered.
Who It’s Best For
Mid-sized contractors with multi-departmental needs across operations and finance.
Link to detailed comparison
See full comparison: Planyard vs Archdesk →
5. Payapps
Overview
Payapps automates subcontractor valuations and payment applications—great for compliance and workflow approvals.
Financial / Cost-Control Fit
Useful for managing valuations and certifications, but lacks end-to-end budget, PO, and forecasting control. Best as a specialist add-on.
Who It’s Best For
Contractors managing large volumes of subcontractor applications.
When to Consider Planyard Instead
Planyard gives full cost visibility across packages, not just valuations, combining Payapps-style flows with CVR-ready reporting.
Link to detailed comparison
See full comparison: Planyard vs Payapps →
6. Sage (with Excel or add-ons)
Overview
Sage remains a staple for UK accounting but lacks native construction-specific workflows for QS teams.
Financial / Cost-Control Fit
While great for ledgers and tax compliance, Sage doesn’t provide live job costing, valuations, or CVR without manual input or third-party extensions.
Who It’s Best For
Smaller firms that rely on accountants to manage project spend but want to stay in familiar tools.
When to Consider Planyard Instead
Planyard extends Sage with true project financial control, live forecasting, and reporting—all synced automatically.
Link to detailed comparison
See full comparison: Planyard vs Sage →
Why Planyard Is the Best Fit for UK Contractors
- Designed for UK commercial workflows – valuations, variations, CVR, and retentions
- Fast implementation – live in a week
- Lower total cost of ownership than ERP-style systems
- Native accounting integrations with Sage, Xero, and QuickBooks
- Built for Quantity Surveyors, Project Managers, and Directors who need financial clarity
Migration / Switching from Eque2
Checklist for a smooth transition:
- Export project budgets, cost codes, and supplier data from Eque2
- Map cost codes to Planyard’s structure
- Sync Sage or Xero connection for seamless accounting
- Train QS and finance staff (typically under 2 hours)
- Go live in days
Next Steps
- Start a free trial to explore real-time budgeting and approvals.
- Book a demo to map your current COINS workflow to Planyard’s cost-control flow.